This trip starts with an early morning pick up from your hotel in Quito. A hotel in Quito is not included, but can be added upon request.

Trip End

This trip ends with an evening drop off at the Cuenca Airport. From here, you can fly to Quito or Guayaquil where you can connect elsewhere in Ecuador or an international flight. This flight is not included, but can be added upon request.

Trip Segment or Complete Package?

This is a trip segment that explores the Avenue of the Volcanoes in Ecuador. It pairs well with a trip to the Galapagos Islands or the Amazon. A hotel in Quito and flights from Cuenca are not included, but can be added upon request.

The Due South journey is an ideal complement to any Galapagos or Rainforest tour that explores the unique volcanic spine of the Ecuadorian Andes. As you travel crosscountry, the ecosystem changes dramatically from snow-capped peaks to sweeping grasslands to humid cloudforests. You will be visiting rural villages, strolling through local markets, and learning about sustainable community projects. This sightseeing tour stretches from one colonial city, Quito, down to the charming city of Cuenca, stopping all along the way to appreciate the immense diversity present in one tiny country.

DESCRIPTION

“Due South” offers a quality cultural experience for curious travelers who want to see more than just the Galapagos. Journey along scenic back roads into the heart and hidden corners of rural Ecuador. By following the Cordillera of the Andes from north to south along Ecuador’s rugged central highlands, you will see vibrant and varied local communities who call the mountains home. On this tour, you will take in breathtaking views; visit local villages; explore archaeological ruins; experience gorgeous national parks; travel portions of the legendary Inca Road; and overnight at remote lodges and haciendas.

Your bilingual guide will accompany you as you drive the famous pan-American highway and little-used dirt roads getting further from the urban noise of Quito. Each day is a mix of cultural tours and sightseeing in natural areas. Stopping in Cotopaxi, you’ll marvel at the bright snow-capped cone rising from the middle of rolling, empty grasslands. In Baños, you will walk to the base of the Devil’s Cauldron waterfall spillng out of the dense surrounding cloudforest. And before reaching Cuenca, you’ll explore the mysterious Inca ruins of Ingapirca.

The diverse traditions of the local communities are also a big highlight for any traveler to Ecuador. On this trip, you don’t mearly visit a well-known market and travel back to Quito after a few hours. You’ll be visiting small villages in far flung locations, maintaining their centuries-old customs and producing high-quality handicrafts. We make a stop at a community-run education foundation to learn more about life in this rural area and the challenges they face. We end the tour in the colonial city of Cuenca, known for it’s well-preserved historic architechture, many universities, and lovely cobblestone streets.

Early departure from Quito by motorcar on the Pan-American Highway to the south, to visit the Cotopaxi National Park, an ecological sanctuary of 88,920 acres, around the magnificent Cotopaxi Volcano, which rises 5897 meters (19,347 feet) above sea level. The evergreen landscape of the Ecuadorian highlands is one of the main attractions, along valleys and mountains covered by multicolored fields. After an hour and a half, the entrance to the park is reached and then it’s up a dirt road for approximately one hour. Upon arrival to the park there is an introductory briefing about the habitat of the Andean paramo or moorlands, its flora and fauna in the small Interpretation Center.

Travel along valleys and mountains, arrive to Cotopaxi National Park, which surrounds the magnificent Cotopaxi Volcano, for an up-close view of the Andean paramo habitat and its unique flora and fauna; a number of high-altitude birds can be observed around Limpiopungo Lagoon, and occasionally, wild horses. On clear days, the perfect snow-capped cone of the Cotopaxi Volcano is quite a sight! At the foot of the volcano lies a charming hacienda, where lunch is served in a dining room of Inca walls, perfectly preserved through the centuries -a true archaeological jewel. After lunch, mingle with the llamas of the hacienda and stroll along a rose plantation, many varieties, many colours, ready for exportation. From here, descend towards the town of Patate, to spend the night at a 300-year old hacienda, hidden among the mountains, a magical ambience, where, as the afternoon mist descends, stories are told about those who left in search of the treasure of the Incas in the nearby Llanganatis – and never returned…

DAY 2: Baños – Route of the Cascades – Ambato – El Arenal – Riobamba

After breakfast, take a spectacular route along the gorge of the Pastaza River to the town of Baños (Baths), right at the foot of Tungurahua Volcano, from where the thermal waters that gave it its name emerge. Drive along the Route of the Cascades to El Pailón del Diablo (the Devil’s Cauldron) -the most adventurous will descend (medium difficulty) to observe the impressive cascade up close, surrounded by subtropical vegetation and orchids. The force and sound of the waters can also be appreciated from a lookout point without descending. Lunch is served at an hacienda / hostel in the surroundings, and in the afternoon a short stroll along Baños -a town with an international pulse, full of people from all over the world as well as many locals who take pilgrimages to the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Holy Water. From here, the route to Riobamba climbs up the mountain, to where the clouds can be touched, alongside the massive Chimborazo, the highest mountain of Ecuador, on the high paramo where vicuñas graze and scamper – this is a protected Fauna Preserve. On the hillsides, where the land is worked beneath the plow, one might think the farmer’s true objective was to paint the hills in fascinating patterns, not just to till the dark, fertile soil. Great photo ops on this route! Arrive to Riobamba for dinner and lodging.

DAY 3: Riobamba – Alausí – Devil’s Nose – Alausi – Ingapirca – Cuenca

After an early breakfast depart by road, skirting the flanks of the Andes, an astonishing ride, twisting and turning, along bridging ravines and river gorges. Ride through Indian villages and cultivated fields; here is where most of the cereals in Ecuador are grown, among them, the quinua, considered the perfect grain for its nutritional value. After about 2 hours arrive at the small town of Alausí, the beating heart of the rehabilitation of the Ecuadorian Railway Company in the last years. Great effort has been made to restore the 100-year old train to its old glory and romance. Stations have been renewed, railways and sleepers replaced, engines and classic coaches renovate, and, most important, the project involves the local communities along the route in the rail operation. The highlight is the thrilling 800-metre (2630-foot) descent on the zigzag cuttings on the rock of the Devil’s Nose. At the bottom one finds the newly renovated Station of Sibambe. Here there is time to visit the local museum “Condor Puñuna” built and run by the Nizag community, see the display of local handcrafts, fruit and medicinal plants and try the local coffee. The train whistle calls guests back on board for the return to the Station of Alausí, where a light snack is served to regain strength. Continue exploring the Andean world by motorcoach to the south, visiting the Inca Fortress of Ingapirca en-route. Lunch in the area. Arrival to Cuenca at dusk for dinner and accommodations.

DAY 4: Cuenca, a World Cultural Heritage Site

Cuenca is Ecuador’s third largest city; yet it still retains its pleasant provincial air. Its red tiled roofs, cobblestone streets, flowery plazas and museums make it very special. This comprehensive visit includes the Plaza of San Sebastian, a colorful artisans market, where handicrafts are sold. Then, visit the Museum of Modern Art, featuring an excellent collection of contemporary fine art. Next is a visit to the flower market at the small plaza in front of the carved stone entrance to the church of El Carmen de la Asunción. From here, a stroll to the main square, surrounded by the imposing blue-domed Cathedral, the Court of Justice, the Municipal Palace, the Governor’s Palace and the Church of El Sagrario. Then, a drive along the Tomebamba river to admire the city’s overhanging houses. Lunch is at one of the excellent restaurants in Cuenca, and in the afternoon, drive for a short visit to a ceramics handcraft shop. Then, observe the whole process of making the famous Panama Hats of high-quality toquilla straw. The Spirit of the Andes adventure ends at the airport – to take to flight to Quito or Guayaquil. Air ticket is extra.

travel logistics

Getting To and From the Trip:

You need to overnight in Quito at least one night before the trip begins as you will be picked up at your hotel in the morning of Day 1 of this trip. Click here for Quito hotel suggestions. This trip ends with drop off at the Cuenca Airport in the late afternoon on Day 4. Flights are not included. From the Cuenca Airport, you can fly to Quito or Guayaquil, and then connect else where in Ecuador or an international departure.

Alternatively, you can extend your stay in Cuenca. Or you can extend your trip further south in Ecuador to Guayaquil, Loja, or Vilcabamba. We can help you with this, please inquire for more information.

We partner with Exito Travel, a flight company that specializes in flights to/from/within Latin America. They can assist you with any international or internal flights that you need. We can connect with them and make sure that all your flights match up with your itinerary.

Trip Start: This trip starts with an early morning pick up from your hotel in Quito. A hotel in Quito is not included, but can be added upon request.

Trip End: This trip ends with an evening drop off at the Cuenca Airport. From here, you can fly to Quito or Guayaquil where you can connect elsewhere in Ecuador or an international flight. This flight is not included, but can be added upon request.

Complete Your Trip

This trip is a great compliment to a trip in the Galapagos Islands or the Amazon.

You will need to overnight at least one night in Quito prior to the start of this trip. A hotel in Quito is not included but can be added upon request. You can view our recommend Quito hotels here. At the end of this trip, you will fly from Cuenca to Quito or Guayaquil. The flight is not included, but can be added upon request. You can view our recommended Guayaquil hotels here.

Alternatively, you can stay longer in Cuenca. Or you can drive from Cuenca to Guayaquil via Cajas National Park in one day. For more information on these options, please inquire. We are happy to help you with this.

In addition to the Ecuador, we specialize in trips to the Amazon, the Galapagos Islands, Machu Picchu and Peru, Chile, Argentina, Patagonia, Brazil, Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Mexico.

Notes:
The child rate applies to one child for every two full-paying adults.
All rates are subject to change. In case of increase in fuel prices, a fuel surcharge will apply.
Holiday surcharges will apply.

2019 PRICES:

For 2019 pricing, please inquire using the “I am Interested” button above or by calling 1-866-386-4168.

2020 PRICES:

Trip Dates:

Group Departures: Every Monday
Private Departures: Every day except Saturday

Accommodations and services in Quito prior to trip (can be quoted for and added upon request)

Flights from Cuenca (can be added upon request or booked on your own)

Alcoholic beverages

Services not indicated in the itinerary

Extra days in Cuenca (can be quoted for and added upon request)

International flights (to be booked on your own or through our travel partner Exito)

International departure tax (usually included in international flight fares)

Personal or medical expenses

Health insurance (required for entry into Ecuador)

Accommodations

Hacienda Leito

This is a mid-size cozy mountain lodge, with a spectacular setting, right in the boundaries of the Llanganates National Park. A great place to relax among the exuberant vegetation, the murmur of the wind and the warmth of the fireplaces. Rooms face the Llanganates or beautiful gardens and patios, and have private facilities. Hacienda Leito is renown for its extraordinary hospitality.

Hacienda Leito has 24 double/twin standard rooms and four Family Suites. It also has spa facilities (pool, Jacuzzi, massage room) by request and can be booked when you arrive.

For over 300 years Hacienda Leito has witnessed countless events, from legends of the Jesuit Order of Saint Ignatius -who were expelled from the country during Colonial times by the Spanish King Charles III, and later, the opulence of the Spanish Captains and their families, appointed as Commendatores by the Spanish crown. Embrace the countless nights and dreams of those in search of the treasures of the Incas in the mysterious Llanganatis Mountains.

Hacienda Abraspungo

The wonderful Hacienda Abraspungo is located at 2,754 metres above sea level and is surrounded by the magnificence of the Ecuadorian Andes. It is named after a glacial valley which is situated between the Chimborazo Volcano and Carihuairazo, in the exact centre of Ecuador. Hacienda Abraspungo, with its comfortable, charming and high level installations offers a personalized service in the ideal spot to enjoy the peace and beauty of the Andes. The architectural style found here offers the best of traditional colonial design often used in the ancestral mansions and haciendas of Ecuador. The Hacienda is adorned with old photographs and illustrations of Andean landscapes, which today constitutes as a testimony to eras gone by. The antiques on display in the social areas give a colonial flavour as well as a feel for the pre-Colombian cultures of the region. The visitor can truly appreciate the richness of the natural resources offered by the Chimborazo Province and Ecuador in general.

Each room takes its name from one of the mountains of Ecuador. That mountain is shown in the photographs displayed within the interior design in the room.

The owner’s commitment is to create a working environment which allows sustainable growth, enhancing positive image and generating an overall feeling of trust between the working force, the clients, and the community, aiming to become a point of reference within the tourist industry of Ecuador and the city of Riobamba. Abraspungo offers 42 comfortable rooms which incorporate modern interior design elements within the framework of traditional, colonial architecture. Distributed in distinct wings of the hacienda you can find beautiful singles, doubles, triples and suites, each furnished and equipped to satisfy our client’s needs. Each room enjoys direct access to the magnificent gardens and the distinct social areas located here within.

Cuenca

Rooming Options

ROOMING OPTIONS: Double, Triple, Single, Single Supplement

2 reviews for Due South, From Quito to Cuenca

Rated 5 out of 5

Lois K –May 21, 2012

Great – The tour guides were good with excellent knowledge of the history and nature of the area. The food was very good except for one lunch, but the staff dealt with it very efficiently.

Thank you for all your help in planning our trip. We now have thousands of photos and 10 hours of video to go through. I would recommend all of our tour companies and of course Detour Destinations to anyone planning a trip. I really enjoy picking and choosing what I want to see and do and also I like to visit my destinations in more detail than most tour companies allow. All our pickups and drop-offs went extremely well and the hotels we stayed in were great. Also all our local tour guides and drivers were very knowledgeable about the local history and nature.

Rated 5 out of 5

Marion S –May 18, 2012

We all really enjoyed this trip, Due South was a great experience. The only problem was for my husband-an expert photographer-he didn’t feel that anything could do justice to the glorious landscapes. The vans were comfortable, guides were excellent (especially the first guide). Accommodations were all first class except the last night was a step down.